The ETF will invest assets into cash and sell equity index futures contracts, which can be expected to generate a positive return when the index declines, a statement issued by BetaShares said.

BetaShares managing director Alex Vynokur said that the fund is a “useful tool” for investors looking to protect their portfolios from a downturn in the market.

Mr Vynokur added that BetaShares was in the process of launching a new fund that would provide a similar exposure to the US equities market in the coming weeks.

“While Australian and global equities markets have recently enjoyed a period of strong investment performance, investors are expressing interest in exposures which help manage investment risk in the event of a downturn.

“While any use of shorting must be approached by investors with caution as a component of an investor’s overall portfolio, we believe that BBOZ will represent a useful investment tool, allowing informed investors to actually manage their Australian market exposure, without the complexity of instruments like CFDs, or the risk of margin calls,” Mr Vynokur said.